Label coating apparatus

ABSTRACT

A labeling apparatus adapted to store a given supply of labels, deliver said labels sequentially past a glue applicator and thence to an application station; the apparatus including a reservoir arrangement for the labels, pneumatic means for removal of labels, one at a time, a transfer roller and a glue applicator; all controlled to operate in the manner intended.

' United States Patent lnventors Billy Burgess;

John H. Burgess, Sylvania, Ohio; Larry C. Gess, Samaria, Mich.; RobertP. Snyder, Sylvania, Ohio Nov. 22, 1967 Feb. 23, 1971 Advance Products,Inc.

Sylvania, Ohio Appl. No. Filed Patented Assignee LABEL COATING APPARATUS26 Claims, 8 Drawing Figs.

U.S. Cl 118/62, 118/204,118/236,118/259,118/261 Int. Cl B05c 11/12, B05c1/02 Field of Search 156/(Cursory); l l8/(Cursory), 236, 261, 602, 259,258, 62, 204; 271/26 [56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS1,166,004 12/1915 Reifsnyder et a1 1 18/236 1,972,824 9/1934 Danielson1l8/259X 3,198,515 8/1965 Pitney (118/236UX) 3,455,274 7/1969 Modersohnl18/236X Primary Examiner-John P. McIntosh Altomey- Paul F. StutzABSTRACT: A labeling apparatus adapted to store a given supply oflabels, deliver said labels sequentially past a glue applicator andthence to an application station; the apparatus including a reservoirarrangement for the labels, pneumatic means for removal of labels, oneat a time, a transfer roller and a glue applicator; all controlled tooperate in the manner intended.

PATENTEU FEB2 315m SHEET 1 UF 3 INVENTOR$ Bvrzeees dot-m PLBURGESS BYLARRY 0.658s

Rosem- RSNVDEK AT'TQRN LABEL COATING APPARATUS The present inventionrelates to an apparatus for applying labels to articles, e.g., products,controlled to move serially along a conveyor apparatus.

There are a large variety of labeling apparatus known in the art.Labeling apparatus or machines up to the present time have been largelyunsatisfactory for a variety of reasons including the following. Presentapparatus are cumbersome, expensive and inefficient. The presentapparatus are subject to malfunction and consequent downtime of theproduct line which features desirably a labeling apparatus in linetherewith.

Many of the present day labeling machines involve a moving magazinecontaining the labels, requiring extensive mechanisms for moving themagazine from a remote position to a label delivery and applicationposition. Many of the present labeling apparatus are beset by theproblem of delivering double labels rather than a single label. Presentmachines are also undesirable because they require extensive downtime tochange the internal features of the machine to accommodate a differentsize of label desired because of a different product to which the labelis to be applied. With present machines, the glue supply and the variousglue applicator components become clogged during temporary stoppage ofthe labeling for any reason.

It is a principal object of the present invention to provide a labelapparatus which overcomes all of the deficiencies of label machinesknown heretofore.

In particular, it is an object of the present invention to provide alabeling apparatus which is of relatively simple and economicalconstruction and at the same time provides reliable trouble-free singlelabel delivery operation.

It is also an object of the present invention to provide a labelapparatus which can be very quickly changed to accommodate a label of adifferent size and, as well, to accommodate a given label to a packageor article of a given dimension. It may be here mentioned that thelabels are most desirably applied to the product in a balanced location.The most common example resides in a consideration of how to apply alabel to a rectangular planar sidewall. In such instance, it is usuallydesirable to have the label centered on the sidewall, both verticallyand laterally.

It is still another object of the present invention to provide a labelapparatus which can apply labels at an extremely rapid rate without anyaccompanying difficulty, either in terms of double labels or anydifficulty of encountering a no label situation. In other words, thelabeling apparatus of the present invention is extremely reliable,simple, economical and universal in terms of the size of label and thetype and size of package or article to which the label is to be applied.

It is also an object of the present inventionto provide an apparatuswhich includes arrangements for avoiding premature gelation of adhesive.

It is still another object of the present invention to provide a labelapparatus which operates with'a single power source, e.g., an electricmotor powered by a suitable supply of current.

The above-enumerated objects, as well as many other objects of thepresent invention, will become apparent to those skilled in the art fromthe following detailed description taken in conjunction with the annexedsheets of drawings on which there is presented, for purposes ofillustration only, a single embodiment of the present invention.

IN THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a three-fourth perspective view of theapparatus;

FIG. 2 is a three-fourth perspective view of one portion of theapparatus enlarged for purposes of showing in greater detail aparticularly preferred feature of the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a partial top plan view of the segment of the apparatusillustrated in FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is likewise a view also of the feature illustrated in FIGS. 2 and3, but in perspective view formed from the reverse side of that shown inFIG. 2;

FIG. 5 is a somewhat enlarged view of one portion of the apparatus asviewed in FIG. 4;

FIG. 6 is an enlarged perspective view of an important part of theapparatus of the invention shown with the component parts thereof spacedapart for purposes of providing a clearer illustration;

FIG. 7 is a circuit diagram of the control system for the labelapparatus of the present invention; and

FIG. 8 is an enlarged elevation view of one component of the apparatusfor purposes of illustrating a preferred construction.

Referring now more specifically to the drawings, the complete labelingapparatus 11 is shown in FIG. 1. Reference numeral 12 identifies ahorizontal base plate supported on threaded legs 14, 15,16 and 17. Thelegs are each threadingly engaged to the base plate 12 and they in turnare mounted on a base support 18. Each leg includes an integral sprocket20 which is synchronously connected to the other sprockets by endlesschain 21. A knurled adjustment wheel 22 is secured to the leg 15.Rotation thereof rotates the leg 15 and, as well, the other legs via themovement of the sprocket and chain arrangement whereby the base plate 12moves vertically upwardly or downwardly, depending on the rotation ofthe wheel 22. An array of labels 30 rests on the upper surface of thebase plate 12, stacked on edge in flush registering abutment, as shown.The labels rest in a reservoir area defined by a first upstanding wallmember 32, a second upstanding wall member 34, a movable plate 36 inparallel relationship with the upstanding wall 32 and a linear bar 38 inspaced parallel relationship with the wall 34. Wall 34 includes a footportion 34d on the edge 34a for a purpose to be described hereinafter.The wall members 32 and 34 are secured to the base plate. Wall 34 isperpendicularly disposed to the wall 32 with one edge 34a spaced fromedge 32a of upstanding wall member 32 and generally in alignmenttherewith to define a gateway 50 therebetween. The labels 30 restflushly in horizontal array against the wall 32 with their end edges atone end contacting wall 34, as shown. The opposite edges of the labelsare in contact with bar 38 to which is attached rearwardly extending rod38a extending slidably through bearing block 43 mounted along the marginof the base plate 12, whereby the bar 38 is movable to and fro towardsthe wall member 34, and its location can be set via the setscrew means43a. Wallplate 36 is cut away at 36a to provide for movement of the bar38. Wallplate 36 is notched as at 36b and upstanding wall 32a contains acorresponding notch 32b proceeding from the upper edge similarly tonotch 36b. A connecting rod 360 extends from Wallplate 36 through ablock bearing 36b mounted on the base plate 12, terminating in aconnected ear portion 362. A cord 36f is secured to the ear member 36cwhich extends back toward the Wallplate 36 beneath the base plate 12over pulley 36g carried by the base plate and thence downwardly as urgedby weight 36h. The arrangement just described urges the wallplate 36toward wall 32 to hold the labels 30 firmly against wall 32.

Wall member 32 has formed therein, proximately to and parallel withvertical edge.32a, an internal bore 32c (see FIG. 2). This bore 32::connects at its bottom extremity through base plate12 with conduit 32d.Conduit 32d connects with a combination filter and pressure reservoircylinder 32 which in turn connects via line 32f with valve 32g connectedby line 32h with valve 32i. Valve 32i connects via line 32j with asuitable air supply. Valve 323 is an on-off air valve controlled by asolenoid 163 (see FIG. 7). Valve 32i is manually set throttling valvefor adjusting the amount of pressure in the line 32h extending throughthe pressure reservoir 32e in line 32d to the bore 32c. Connecting withthe vertical bore 32c are a plurality of orifices 32k which extendnormally therefrom to the facing'edge 32a of the upstanding wall 32. Arod 40 extends freely but snugly slidably down into the bore 32c. Aconnecting plate 41 connects the rod 40 with a tamper bar 42 which is inparallel-spaced relationship and depends coextensively with the rod 40.The tamper bar 42 slides in notch 32b and normally rests on the upperedges of labels 30, as shown in FIG. 2; the labels 30 being shown indotted outline. In the position as shown, the upper four orifices 32k inedge 320 are covered whereby any air flowing through conduit 32dconnects only through the four lower orifices 32e which are not coveredby rod 40, for purposes as will be explained hereinafter. A slotted arm420 (see FIGS. 3, 4 and 5) includes an offset ear portion 4211containing an elongated hole 42c. A stud 42c extends normally from thetamper bar 42 through the enlarged hole 420, terminating in an enlargedhead 42f, whereby the tamper bar 42 is free to move vertically withinthe limits provided by the elongated hole 42c. The elongated slotted arm42a includes the linear slot 42g providing, via the fastening nut 42h,vertical positioning of the tamper bar 42 at any desired setting withinthe limits of the slot 423. The nut 42h threadingly engages a threadedhole in wall 32.

The walls 32 and 34 together with the movable plate 36 and movable bar38 provide a reservoir for the labels 30. As indicated, the spacing ofperpendicular walls 32 and 34 leaves the gateway 50 between the edge 32aof wall 32 and edge 34a of wall 34. Just outside the reservoir andpartly in the gateway 50 is a vertical, rotatable transfer roller 60bearing a rubber covering 61 for a portion of its height. The roller 60lies midway in the gate 50 and is rotatably connected with the baseplate 12 and includes a drive shaft 62 extending vertically through baseplate 12 to connect with sprocket 63 which is in turn connected by chain64 with sprocket 65 mounted on shaft 66 extending upwardly from electricmotor 67 which, when energized, causes (via the shaft 66, chain 64,sprocket 63 and shaft 62) the transfer roller 60 to rotate. The motor 67is mounted on the base support 18 and partially supported by verticalwall 670.

Reference numeral 100 identifies an arcuate guide shoe member having anenlarged portion through which extends a vertical mounting shaft 101secured at one extremity of the base plate 12 and the upper extremity inthe overhead 73. A spring 102 encircling shaft 101 extends from theoverhead down to the shoe with the ends secure, thereby holding theguide shoe normally in the position shown in solid outline in FIG. 3.The guide shoe is controlled to move reciprocatingly from that positionto a position (shown in dotted outline) just contacting therubber-covered transfer roller 60 as urged by arm 103 controlled bysolenoid 168 (FIG. 7). The solenoid connects to arm 103 and is locatedin the box 105 shown in dotted outline on base plate 12 abutting wall34. A U-shaped spring 104 has one leg riveted to the guide shoe and theother leg is free for contact by the solenoid arm 103. The U-shapedspring cushions the reciprocating movement of the arm 103. Thus,movement of the solenoid arm 103 first compresses the U-shaped springmember 104 and then urges the guide shoe towards the transfer roller andthen back to the retracted position shown in dotted outline in FIG. 3.In a preferred form of construction, the guide shoe 100 has formed onits concave surface a plurality of spaced, horizontal scooplike grooves100a which define slight corrugations in the tapered edge, as shown inFIG. 8. Also, the rubber covering 61 on the transfer roller preferablyhas a corrugated surface as defined by a plurality of spaced grooveswhich are offset with respect to the grooves 100a in the surface of theguide shoe. These justdescribed features cooperate to lend stiffness tothe label as it passes therebetween in a manner to be described.

A vertically spaced array of label doctor members 110 are mounted on ashaft 111 in spaced relationship with the glue roller 70. The doctorblades are of curved contour as at 112. One edge extremity 113 of thedoctor blades 110 rides against the rotating glue roller surface,preventing labels from wrapping thereabout, and the median portion iscontoured as indicated at 112 to direct the label curvilinearly in themanner shown. A resiliently covered press roller 120 is rotatinglycarried on a shaft 121, in turn mounted on arm 122 which pivots aboutstud 123. The arm 122 includes, at the end opposite roller 120a,upstanding stud 124 connected via spring 125 to a stud 126 upstandingfrom the base plate 12 urging, by the foregoing construction, theresilient roller 120 against the surface S of the article A, compressinga single label L thereagainst in the manner to be more particularlydescribed hereinafter.

A centering switch 155 is mounted along one marginal edge of the baseplate 12 which is proximate the glue roller 70. A conveyor system S (nota part of the present invention) delivers a plurality of articles Atangentially past the apparatus for purposes of having labels appliedthereto. As the articles proceed from left to right as viewed in FIG. 1,they actuate the switch 155. This switch can be located and isadjustable just along the margin of the apparatus 11 and, in fact, canbe situated further upstream or downstream as the labeling situationrequires, as described in connection with FIG. 7.

A glue roller 70 is situated in upstanding spaced parallel relationshipwith the transfer roller 60 on the line extending away from the gateway50. It is rotatingly mounted on the base plate 12 and is driven in thesame direction of rotation as transfer roller 60 through an overheaddrive arrangement consisting of sprocket 68 mounted on' shaft 62,sprocket 71 mounted on shaft 72 and chain 69. The glue roller iscoaxially mounted on shaft 72.

The shaft 72 driven by the sprocket 71 extends down through the overheadarrangement 73 and connects via oppositely projecting fingers 74 (seeFIG. 6) with slots 75 formed in the upper cap 76 of the glue rollercylinder 70. This arrangement also provides a quick disconnect of theglue roller from the drive shaft 72 for a reason to be explainedhereinafter. Beneath the cap 76, the glue roller 70 is essentially ahollow sleeve which telescopically receives a rod 80 having a continuoushelical land or gear portion 81 formed on the exterior thereof andterminating at the upper end in a head 82 which is below the cap 76,leaving a space 820. The cylindrical sleeve member (glue roller) has aplurality of apertures 77 formed in the space 82a above said headportion 82. The outer sleeve 70 also includes apertures 79 in its lowerextremity proximate the bottom wall d. A cylindrical element 78surrounds the upper portion of the cylinder 70 defining a dependingskirt which extends downwardly below the apertures 77. The rod 80 ismounted stationary on bottom wall 90d of vessel 90 composed additionallyof spaced parallel sidewalls 90b and spaced end walls 90c. The rod 80,as indicated, is secured upstandingly from the bottom wall 900, andparticularly an end segment thereof 90d which is somewhat lower than theremainder 9a. Portions of the sidewalls have been broken away in orderto show the interior construction and securement of the rod 80 to thebottom wall segment 90d. The vessel 90 constitutes a reservoir for aglue or adhesive. A resistance element 91 projects through end wall 90c,terminating in terminals 92 adapted to be connected to a sourceofcurrent. A similar resistance element 91a extends upwardly throughfitting 91b into the interior of rod 80 and additionally terminates interminals 920 suited for connection with a source of electricity. Theresistance elements permit the maintenance of a uniform elevatedtemperature of the so-called hot melt adhesion in the vessel 90 andproximate the glue roller 70. Resistance element Resistance element 91is thermostatically controlled (not shown) while resistance element 91ais connected for constant operation via an on-off switch whereby, forcold-setting adhesives, the element may be disconnected. A bar 93 issecured to the bottom wall, partially supported by the wall 93a markingthe margin between the main bottom wall level 90a and the lower bottomwall level 90b. Secured as at 94 to the bar 93 is a thin doctor blade 92having a serrated edge as at 95 which scrapes against the cylinder (glueroller) 70. The doctor blade can be formed of a variety of materials,preferably an abrasion resistant plastic. The end wall 90c includes areinforced ear portion 90h into which is set a threaded stud 90: adaptedto extend up through aperture 90j in wall 12 for engagement with wingnut90k. The base plate 12 is cut away as at 12b, permitting the vessel 90,the rod 81 and glue roller assembly 70 to be moved upwardly in thedirection indicated by the dotted lines; the bar 93 being then partiallysupported against lateral movement by the support member 94a having theflange portion 950 secured to the bottom wall 12. The just-describedfeature constitutes a very desirable feature of the present invention inthat glue roller and the glue reservoir can be dropped from theapparatus generally by simply disengaging the wingnut 90k. This featureis desirable when it becomes necessary to have a changeover in adhesivecomposition as, for example, changing from a cold-setting adhesive to ahot melt adhesive.

The operation of the glue roller 70 and glue vessel reservoir 90 is asfollows. The glue is contained in the vessel 90. The outer sleeve 70 andthe interior rod 81 define an annular passageway 84 interrupted by thehelical land portion 81 of the rod 80. Adhesive in the vessel 90 passesthrough the aper-' tures 79 spaced about the lower extremity of thesleeve entering the vertically extending annular passageway 84 betweenthe sleeve 70 and the rod 80. Rotation of shaft 72 translated by fingers74 and slots 75 in the head portion 76 rotates the sleeve 70 in thedirection indicated by the arrows, causing, as a consequence, contact ofthe moving interior surface of the sleeve 79 with the adhesive in thelower region of the passageway, causing, in turn, the adhesive to moveupwardly in passageway 84 by reason of the continuous helical landproceeding in spiral fashion upwardly in counterclockwise direction. Therotationof the sleeve being counterclockwise, the adhesive or glueproceeds upwardly through the annular passageway to the space 82a abovethe head portion 82 of the rod from which it flows through the apertures77 to the outer surface of the sleeve 70, draining downwardly betweenthe space 78a between the skirt 78, thence over the shoulder 78b andthence to the outer surface from which it falls by gravity downwardlyback into the vessel 90. The skirt portion 78 prevents splattering ofthe glue as might otherwise occur through the centrifugal force of therotation of the glue roller 70. As the glue passes down the outercylindrical surface of sleeve 70, the doctor blade strips off excessadhesive, leaving spaced bands 99 of adhesive.

In FIG. 7, there is disclosed a circuit diagram suitable for controllingthe operation of the apparatus. It includes lines L1 and L2 and aprincipal on-off switch 150 which, as shown, is in the off" positionbut, by actuation to the "on" position, connects terminals 151 and 152,connecting lines L1 and L2 via lines 153 and 154, impressing a currentflow in motor 67 which causes continuous rotation of the transfer roller60 and, through the overhead 73, the glue roller 70 as described hereinbefore. At the same time, current flows in line 154 leading to terminal155a of centering switch 155. When this normally open switch is closedby reason of contact with a package moving along the conveyor system,the line current flows to terminal 155c and line 156 and energizes timercoil 160. The normally closed points 161 of the timer connects thecurrent in line 156 with line L2 across solenoid I63, openingmomentarily the normally closed air valve 32g in FIG. 2. This timer, ofcourse, is adjustable as to the duration in which the current isimpressed across the solenoid 163. Thus, after a predetermined amount oftime, the normally closed points 161 are opened by the timer coil andnormally open points 165 are closed, whereby the current flows throughline 166 to line L2 actuating solenoid 168, moving arm 103, therebyurging connected guide shoe 100 against the transfer roller 60 ascushioned by spring 104. This position is maintained until the packageis moved past and out of contact with centering switch 155 whichdisconnects terminal points 155a155c, cutting off flow of current to thelines 156 and 166, deactivating solenoid 168 and the timer whereby thenormally closed points 161 are closed and the normally open points 165are opened. The circuit is thus ready for a repeat cycle as initiated bythe next package closing contact with switch 155.

From the foregoing, it will be appreciated that with the labelspositioned in the reservoir area, a package article A proceeding downthe conveyor system S will contact the deflection switch 155, closingsame, causing in timed sequence (via timer I) actuation of the'solenoid163, momentarily opening the air valve 323, sending a pulse of air ofpreset pressure via throttling valve 322' through line 32f to thecombination reservoir and filter 32c and thence through conduit 32d tothe bore 32c from which the air pulse proceeds out the orifices 32kwhich are not covered by rod 40 as determined by the location of thetamper bar 42. The latter is set by the height of labels in thereservoir. At the same time, the pulse of air exerts an upward force onthe rod 40 which, due to the overhead connection plate 41, causes amomentary upward movement of the tamper bar 42 followed by a fallingback down upon the upper edges of the labels, maintaining the upperedges of the labels in registration. Limited upper movement of the rod40 and tamper bar 42 is controlled by the stud 42e in the elongated hole420 and the ear portion 42b of the slotted arm 42a FIGS. 4 and 5). Thepulse of air through the orifices 32k across the surface of the endmostlabel L and through the restricted path defined by the position of thetransfer roller 60 (see FIG. 3) causes a single label, and particularlythe end segment proximate the wall 34, to move out of flush engagementwith the remainder of the plurality of labels and towards and throughthe gate 50 in the direction of the transfer roller 60. Due to thecontrol of the timer coil 160, there is effected, in timed relationshipwith the pulse of air, a movement of solenoid 168 which operates,through the arm 103 and the U-shaped spring 104, to move guide shoe intocontact with the rubber covering 61 carried by rotating transfer roller,urging the end of the label thereagainst. The transfer roller, ofcourse, is continuously rotating as previously described whereby thephysical contact urges the label, as partially directed by the guideshoe towards the continuously rotating glue roller 70, into tangentialcontact therewith and beyond, assisted by the inherent stiffness of thelabel. The label doctor" members and the curvilinear edges I12 preventthe label from being wrapped about the glue roller but rather deflectthe label in the manner shown in FIG. 1 towards the article which ismoving simultaneously past in the direction indicated by the arrow 190.The label bears, by reason of its contact with the glue roller, spacedlines or bands 99 of adhesive which cause the label to adhere to thearticle. The label is then pressed firmly against the article by theresilient or cushioned cover on roller which is urged against thearticle by the spring and pivoted arm construction as describedpreviously. Movement of the article out of closing contact with switchterminates the cycle, leaving the components in their original position.

The next article proceeding along the conveyor system then reclosesswitch 155 which initiates the same sequence of operation including thepulse of air, removal of a single label, the tamping down of the upperedges of the label, the timed sequential actuation of the solenoidmoving the guide shoe; all of these cooperating to move the next labelthrough the gateway 50, and urged by the transfer roller tangentiallypast the glue roller and onto the article.

It will be noted that the cutaway notch 36b accommodates the tamper bar42 when the supply of labels has been reduced sufiiciently that thereservoir plate 36 is moving into close proximity with the upstandingwall member 32.

The adhesive in the vessel 90 flows continuously and circuitouslythrough the glue roller annular passageway 84 as urged by rotation ofthe cylinder about the helical land on the stationary upstanding rod 81,thereby preventing any premature setting up of the glue or adhesive asmight otherwise occur during a temporary shutdown of the labeling lineor the finishing line. Normally, in prior art labeling apparatus, ashutdown of any type would considerably interfere with the efficiency ofthe labeling operation since the glue or adhesive during such time wouldbe in a static condition, leading to gelation at critical regions and/orcomponents of the glue applicator. In the apparatus of this invention,as indicated, the glue is moving continuously. Also, provisions are madefor maintaining an even elevated temperature in the case of hot meltadhesives, avoiding chilling and gelation as frequently occurs in priorequipment due to the necessity for exterior hose conduits, etc.

It will be appreciated that the deflection switch 155 may be locatedalong the margin of the apparatus in any preselected location, dependingupon the linear dimension of the article to which the label is to beapplied. As a matter of fact, the deflector switch may be adjustablymounted on a bar bearing a scale with predetermined settings, permittinglocation of the deflector switch at a given scale indicia correspondingto a package size and based also upon a consideration of the lineardimension of the label. With this arrangement, the apparatus can be setup to allow the label to be applied to the article in a predeterminedcentered relationship with respect to the margins or ends of thearticle. Instead of the contact switch 155, of course, it is envisionedthat for certain applications a photoelectric cell would be preferable.

Similarly, vertical centering of the label on the article is relativelysimply accomplished by adjustment of the single adjustment wheel 22which actuates all of the support legs in threaded engagement with thebase plate 12.

It is an important feature of the present invention that eitherrecharging of the label reservoir or changing to a different sized labelcan be accomplished very simply. The set screw 43a controlling marginalbar member 38 and adjusting nut 42b (on the rear side of the tamper bar42) controlling the tamper bar 42 are loosened, permitting the tamperbar 42 and rod 40 assembly to be elevated to a position corresponding tothe height of the labels (or removed altogether) and the adjustable bar38 to be moved away from wall member 34 to accommodate the new label ofthe given length. The bar is brought up firmly against the edges of thelabels and the securement means 43 is tightened. At the same time, ofcourse, the wallplate 36 is simply moved away from upstanding wall 32 adistance corresponding to the number of labels to be inserted into thereservoir. The notch 360 permits the wallplate 36 to move forwardlytowards the wall 32 regardless of the position of the bar 38.

The simultaneous air movement ofa single label and the air movement ofthe tamper bar 42 represents an important feature of the presentinvention.

A feature of construction which aids in ensuring single label deliveryis the provision for a foot portion 34d (FIGS. 1, 2 and 3) on the wall34. The foot portion serves as an edge abutment for the labels, wherebythey will not escape between the wall proper 34 and the guide shoe.

The label apparatus of the present invention is quite small, adding toits desirability and utility. The apparatus as illustrated measures 20/1'nches in length X 12%inches in width X 16 inches in height. It weighs50-65 pounds. It can, of course, be scaled to a larger size if desired.The apparatus of the size above indicated can handle labels measuringfrom 4 to 13 inches in length and A 3 finches in width (height asstacked in the reservoir).

The apparatus as described has been operated continuously for extendedperiods of time without encountering an instance of either delivery ofdouble labels" or "no labels". The apparatus described is also capableof rapid operation. For example, label delivery of several hundredlabels per minute has been achieved over extended periods of time withno difficulty. The rotational velocity of the transfer roller and glueroller can be adjusted by changing the pulley drive system or use ofarheostat governing motor speed. Further, the relative speed of rotationof the transfer roller and glue roller can be changed by selectionofappropriate drive sprockets in the overhead 73. Usually, we have foundthat the glue roller should be rotating slightly faster than thetransfer roller. This assists in preventing buckling of the label as itmoves across the surface of the glue roller. A ratio of 5/6 has beenfound very desirable. Thus, teeth on the glue roller drive sprocket and12 teeth on the transfer roller drive sprocket represents a typicalarrangement for achieving this ratio.

It will be appreciated that the apparatus as described is suited forapplying labels to articles, packages, etc., moving from left to rightas illustrated in FIG. 1 and this is termed a right-hand" model.Obviously, "left-hand" models can be constructed utilizing the samefeatures but of essentially "reverse hand construction to accommodatearticle flow from right to left. The apparatus of this invention canalso be employed for applying labels on the top or upper surface ofcontinuously moving articles or packages. For this purpose, theapparatus as viewed in FIG. 1 is simply arranged in disposition with theplate 12 vertical and with the rollers consequently horizontal insteadof vertical. The glue delivery system to the glue roller is changedsimply by providing for gravity delivery of the glue to the surface ofthe glue roller.

Although not shown, it should be appreciated that adjustment of thetimer can provide considerable variance in the timed sequence of the airpulse duration and, as well, the time interval between air pulse andmovement of the arcuate guide shoe 100. The latter, however, remainsreasonably constant due to the proximity of the label, the transferroller, the orifices and the guide shoe.

A subsidiary feature of the present invention resides in the provisionfor the reservoir/filter member 32e in the air conduit. Principally,this chamber operates as a safety spring or cushion whereby the pulse ofair impressed in the conduit by the sudden opening of the valve 323 (byactuation of switch and solenoid 163) is not as such directed across theend portions of the labels through orifices 32k. Rather, since air iscompressible, the chamber 32e operates as a surge tank, providing acushion or spring action whereby the pulse of air is moderated beforeprojecting across the face of the endmost label, thereby giving a moreeven pressure or venturi effect resulting in more even reliable labelremoval.

lt, of course, will be appreciated that the glue roller 70 andstationary rod 80 may be modified to provide for the location of thehelical land portion on the inside surface of the glue roller instead ofon the rod. Also, various surface configurations of the rod and glueroller can be employed.

From all of the foregoing, it can be seen that an extremely efficient,compact and reliable, trouble-free labeling apparatus has been provided.

Modifications may be resorted to without departing from the spirit andscope of the present invention as defined in the appended claims.

We claim:

1. A label handling apparatus comprising:

a horizontal base plate;

means upstanding from said plate defining a reservoir for a plurality oflabels, tickets or the like stacked on edge in mutually flush,registering relationship, said reservoir means including a gatewayadapted to allow an end segment of a label proximate thereto to move outof flush abutment with the remainder of said labels;

an upstanding transfer roller, adapted for rotation about its verticalaxis, located proximate said gateway and spaced slightly outside saidreservoir area;

a glue applicator located in spaced relationship with said transferroller on a line extending away from said gateway; and

means for delivering a pulse of air across said gateway and at the sametime tangentially across the surface of said transfer roller, therebyurging the end segment of the closest label out of flush contact withthe remainder of said labels and toward said transfer roller and thenceby said transfer roller to said glue applicator.

2. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein said glue applicatorcomprises an upstanding glue roller adapted for rotation about itsvertical axis.

3. The apparatus as claimed in claim 2, which includes guide shoe meanscontrolled to urge said label into contact with said rotating transferroller and thence, in combination with said transfer roller, intocontact with said glue applicator and beyond.

4. The apparatus as claimed in claim 2, which includes means fordelivering an adhesive to the surface of said glue roller.

5. The apparatus as claimed in claim 4, wherein said delivery meansincludes:

a vessel having a bottom wall and upstanding marginal sidewalls;

a stationary rod upstanding from said bottom wall;

a hollow sleeve constituting the glue roller telescopically disposedabout said rod defining an annular passageway therebetween, said sleeveend proximate said bottom wall of said vessel including means fluidlyconnecting said vessel and said annular passageway, said sleeve havingan aperture therein proximate the upper end of said inner rod; and

means urging fluid in said vessel into said annular passageway upwardlytherethrough and through said aperture to drain by gravity down theexterior surface of said sleeve.

6. The apparatus as claimed in claim 5, wherein said fluid urgementmeans includes a particular surface configuration of one of the exteriorsurface of said rod and the interior surface of said sleeve such thatrotation of said sleeve effects urgement of said fluid upwardly in saidannular passageway.

7. The apparatus as claimed in claim 6, wherein said fluid urgementmeans comprises a helical band formed on said exterior surface of saidrod.

8. The apparatus as claimed in claim 5, which includes a serrated doctorblade disposed with its serrated edge in contact with the exteriorsurface of said sleeve and inclined against the direction of rotation ofsaid sleeve as to strip spaced portions of said adhesive from saidexterior surface onto the outer side of said blade.

9. The apparatus as claimed in claim 5, wherein said reservoir meansincludes:

a first upstanding planar wall member secured to said baseplate;

a second upstanding planar wall member secured to said baseplate, saidsecond wall being disposed normally to said first wall member and withone edge spaced from an edge of said first wall member and in alignmentwith said first wall member to define said gateway;

said first wall being adapted for flushly abutting said array of labelsand said second wall adapted for contact with the end edges of saidlabels; and

means for urging said labels against said first wall member.

10. The apparatus as claimed in claim 9, wherein said means fordelivering a pulse of air comprises a passageway formed in said firstwall member proximate the gateway, said passageway terminating in anorifice directed flushly across said gateway.

11. The apparatus as claimed in claim 10, wherein said first wall memberincludes in the edge proximate said gateway a plurality of verticallyspaced apertures flushly connecting with said passageway, therebyproviding for air pulses sufficient in vertical array to accommodatevarious sizes of labels.

12. The apparatus as claimed in claim 11, which includes a rod memberadapted to slide reciprocably down into said passageway in said firstwall responsive to the vertical dimension of labels in said reservoir,thereby confining air movement only to those apertures not covered bysaid rod and corresponding to said vertical dimension.

13. The apparatus as claimed in claim 12, which includes a leg memberconnected to said rod and in generally spaced parallel relationship,said leg terminating in a bottom edge normally resting on the upper edgeof the labels in said reservoir, said leg and rod translating saidposition of said leg to the appropriate location of said rod in saidpassageway to provide uncovered apertures corresponding to the verticaldimensions of the labels.

14. The apparatus as claimed in claim 13, wherein said rod and leg aremounted for vertical oscillatory movement responsive to repeated pulsesof air impressed on the bottom of said rod whereby said leg lower edgerepeatedly taps the upper edges of said labels, maintaining edgeregistration and label height continuity as labels are sequentiallyremoved from said reservoir.

15. The apparatus as claimed in claim 5, wherein said baseplate is cutaway as to accommodate said vessel with its upper edge in registry withsaid cutaway, said hollow sleeve extends upwardly in spaced parallelrelationship with said transfer roller, and includes means to rotatesaid transfer roller and cylinder glue roller continuously andsimultaneously and means for releaseable securement of said deliverymeans to said baseplate whereby said vessel may be easily dis assembledfor cleaning or change in adhesive.

16. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein said reservoir meansincludes:

a first upstanding planar wall member secured to said baseplate,

a second upstanding planar wall member secured to said baseplate, saidsecond wall being disposed normally to said first wall member and withone edge spaced from an edge of said first wall member and in alignmentwith said first wall member to define said gateway;

said first wall being adapted for flushly abutting said array of labelsand said second wall adapted for contact with the end edges of saidlabels; and

means for urging said labels against said first wall member.

.17. The apparatus as claimed in claim 16, wherein said means fordeliveringa pulse of air comprises a passageway formed in said firstwall member proximate the gateway, said passageway terminating in anorifice directed flushly across said gateway.

18. The apparatus as claimed in claim 17, wherein said first wall memberincludes in the edge proximate said gateway a plurality of verticallyspaced orifices fluidly connecting with said passageway, therebyproviding for a number of air pulses sufficient in vertical array toaccommodate various sizes of labels.

19. The apparatus as claimed in claim 18, which includes a rod memberadapted to slide reciprocably down into said passageway in said firstwall responsive to the vertical dimension of labels in said reservoir,thereby confining air movement only to those apertures not covered bysaid rod and corresponding to said vertical dimension of said labels.

20. The apparatus asclaimed in claim 19, which includes a leg memberconnected to said rod and in generally spaced relationship, said legterminating in a bottom edge normally resting on the upper edge of thelabels in said reservoir, said leg and rod translating said position ofsaid leg to the appropriate location of said rod in said passageway toprovide uncovered apertures corresponding to the vertical dimension ofthe labels on the edges of which the leg edge rest.

21. The apparatus as claimed in claim 20, wherein said rod and leg aremounted for vertical oscillatory movement responsive to repeated pulsesof air impressed on the bottom of said rod whereby said leg lower edgerepeatedly taps the upper edges of said labels, maintaining edgeregistration and label height continuity as labels are sequentiallyremoved from said reservoir.

22. The apparatus as claimed in claim 16, wherein said reservoir meansincludes a linear bar member in spaced parallel relationship with saidsecond wall and adjustable means for preselectively setting the barmember at any given distance from said second wall to therebyaccommodate a variety of label sizes.

23. The apparatus as claimed in claim 16, wherein said lastmentionedmeans includes a movable wall member in spaced parallel relationshipwith said first wall, a connecting arm extending rearwardly and beingslidably mounted in a bearing and extending therethrough, a pulleymounted beneath said base plate between the extremities of saidconnecting arm and a weighted line extending over said pulley andconnected to the end of said connecting arm urging said arm and movablewall member toward said first wall, thereby constantly maintaining thelabels in the reservoir in firm self abutment as labels are sequentiallyremoved from said reservoir.

24. The apparatus as claimed in claim 23, wherein said reservoir meansincludes a linear bar member in spaced parallel relationship with saidsecond wall and adjustable means for preselectively setting the barmember to any given dimension from said second wall to therebyaccommodate a variety of label sizes.

sprockets encirclingly and means for rotating one of said legs, therebysimultaneously rotating the other legs whereby said baseplate movesuniformly upwardly or downwardly responsive to the direction of rotationofsaid rotation means.

1. A label handling apparatus comprising: a horizontal base plate; meansupstanding from said plate defining a reservoir for a plurality oflabels, tickets or the like stacked on edge in mutually flush,registering relationship, said reservoir means including a gatewayadapted to allow an end segment of a label proximate thereto to move outof flush abutment with the remainder of said labels; an upstandingtransfer roller, adapted for rotation about its vertical axis, locatedproximate said gateway and spaced slightly outside said reservoir area;a glue applicator located in spaced relationship with said transferroller on a line extending away from said gateway; and means fordelivering a pulse of air across said gateway and at the same timetangentially across the surface of said transfer roller, thereby urgingthe end segment of the closest label out of flush contact with theremainder of said labels and toward said transfer roller and thence bysaid transfer roller to said glue applicator.
 2. The apparatus asclaimed in claim 1, wherein said glue applicator comprises an upstandingglue roller adapted for rotation about its vertical axis.
 3. Theapparatus as claimed in claim 2, which includes guide shoe meanscontrolled to urge said label into contact with said rotating transferroller and thence, in combination with said transfer roller, intocontact with said glue applicator and beyond.
 4. The apparatus asclaimed in claim 2, which includes means for delivering an adhesive tothe surface of said glue roller.
 5. The apparatus as claimed in claim 4,wherein said delivery means includes: a vessel having a bottom wall andupsTanding marginal sidewalls; a stationary rod upstanding from saidbottom wall; a hollow sleeve constituting the glue roller telescopicallydisposed about said rod defining an annular passageway therebetween,said sleeve end proximate said bottom wall of said vessel includingmeans fluidly connecting said vessel and said annular passageway, saidsleeve having an aperture therein proximate the upper end of said innerrod; and means urging fluid in said vessel into said annular passagewayupwardly therethrough and through said aperture to drain by gravity downthe exterior surface of said sleeve.
 6. The apparatus as claimed inclaim 5, wherein said fluid urgement means includes a particular surfaceconfiguration of one of the exterior surface of said rod and theinterior surface of said sleeve such that rotation of said sleeveeffects urgement of said fluid upwardly in said annular passageway. 7.The apparatus as claimed in claim 6, wherein said fluid urgement meanscomprises a helical band formed on said exterior surface of said rod. 8.The apparatus as claimed in claim 5, which includes a serrated doctorblade disposed with its serrated edge in contact with the exteriorsurface of said sleeve and inclined against the direction of rotation ofsaid sleeve as to strip spaced portions of said adhesive from saidexterior surface onto the outer side of said blade.
 9. The apparatus asclaimed in claim 5, wherein said reservoir means includes: a firstupstanding planar wall member secured to said baseplate; a secondupstanding planar wall member secured to said baseplate, said secondwall being disposed normally to said first wall member and with one edgespaced from an edge of said first wall member and in alignment with saidfirst wall member to define said gateway; said first wall being adaptedfor flushly abutting said array of labels and said second wall adaptedfor contact with the end edges of said labels; and means for urging saidlabels against said first wall member.
 10. The apparatus as claimed inclaim 9, wherein said means for delivering a pulse of air comprises apassageway formed in said first wall member proximate the gateway, saidpassageway terminating in an orifice directed flushly across saidgateway.
 11. The apparatus as claimed in claim 10, wherein said firstwall member includes in the edge proximate said gateway a plurality ofvertically spaced apertures flushly connecting with said passageway,thereby providing for air pulses sufficient in vertical array toaccommodate various sizes of labels.
 12. The apparatus as claimed inclaim 11, which includes a rod member adapted to slide reciprocably downinto said passageway in said first wall responsive to the verticaldimension of labels in said reservoir, thereby confining air movementonly to those apertures not covered by said rod and corresponding tosaid vertical dimension.
 13. The apparatus as claimed in claim 12, whichincludes a leg member connected to said rod and in generally spacedparallel relationship, said leg terminating in a bottom edge normallyresting on the upper edge of the labels in said reservoir, said leg androd translating said position of said leg to the appropriate location ofsaid rod in said passageway to provide uncovered apertures correspondingto the vertical dimensions of the labels.
 14. The apparatus as claimedin claim 13, wherein said rod and leg are mounted for verticaloscillatory movement responsive to repeated pulses of air impressed onthe bottom of said rod whereby said leg lower edge repeatedly taps theupper edges of said labels, maintaining edge registration and labelheight continuity as labels are sequentially removed from saidreservoir.
 15. The apparatus as claimed in claim 5, wherein saidbaseplate is cut away as to accommodate said vessel with its upper edgein registry with said cutaway, said hollow sleeve extends upwardly inspaced parallel relationship with said transfer roller, and includesmeans to rotate said transfer roller and cylinder glue rollercontinuously and simultaneously and means for releaseable securement ofsaid delivery means to said baseplate whereby said vessel may be easilydisassembled for cleaning or change in adhesive.
 16. The apparatus asclaimed in claim 1, wherein said reservoir means includes: a firstupstanding planar wall member secured to said baseplate, a secondupstanding planar wall member secured to said baseplate, said secondwall being disposed normally to said first wall member and with one edgespaced from an edge of said first wall member and in alignment with saidfirst wall member to define said gateway; said first wall being adaptedfor flushly abutting said array of labels and said second wall adaptedfor contact with the end edges of said labels; and means for urging saidlabels against said first wall member.
 17. The apparatus as claimed inclaim 16, wherein said means for delivering a pulse of air comprises apassageway formed in said first wall member proximate the gateway, saidpassageway terminating in an orifice directed flushly across saidgateway.
 18. The apparatus as claimed in claim 17, wherein said firstwall member includes in the edge proximate said gateway a plurality ofvertically spaced orifices fluidly connecting with said passageway,thereby providing for a number of air pulses sufficient in verticalarray to accommodate various sizes of labels.
 19. The apparatus asclaimed in claim 18, which includes a rod member adapted to slidereciprocably down into said passageway in said first wall responsive tothe vertical dimension of labels in said reservoir, thereby confiningair movement only to those apertures not covered by said rod andcorresponding to said vertical dimension of said labels.
 20. Theapparatus as claimed in claim 19, which includes a leg member connectedto said rod and in generally spaced relationship, said leg terminatingin a bottom edge normally resting on the upper edge of the labels insaid reservoir, said leg and rod translating said position of said legto the appropriate location of said rod in said passageway to provideuncovered apertures corresponding to the vertical dimension of thelabels on the edges of which the leg edge rest.
 21. The apparatus asclaimed in claim 20, wherein said rod and leg are mounted for verticaloscillatory movement responsive to repeated pulses of air impressed onthe bottom of said rod whereby said leg lower edge repeatedly taps theupper edges of said labels, maintaining edge registration and labelheight continuity as labels are sequentially removed from saidreservoir.
 22. The apparatus as claimed in claim 16, wherein saidreservoir means includes a linear bar member in spaced parallelrelationship with said second wall and adjustable means forpreselectively setting the bar member at any given distance from saidsecond wall to thereby accommodate a variety of label sizes.
 23. Theapparatus as claimed in claim 16, wherein said last-mentioned meansincludes a movable wall member in spaced parallel relationship with saidfirst wall, a connecting arm extending rearwardly and being slidablymounted in a bearing and extending therethrough, a pulley mountedbeneath said base plate between the extremities of said connecting armand a weighted line extending over said pulley and connected to the endof said connecting arm urging said arm and movable wall member towardsaid first wall, thereby constantly maintaining the labels in thereservoir in firm self abutment as labels are sequentially removed fromsaid reservoir.
 24. The apparatus as claimed in claim 23, wherein saidreservoir means includes a linear bar member in spaced parallelrelationship with said second wall and adjustable means forpreselectively setting the bar member to any given dimension from saidsecond wall to thereby accommodate a variety of label sizes.
 25. Theapparatus as claimed in claim 1, which includes means for verticaladjustment Of said baseplate.
 26. The apparatus as claimed in claim 25,wherein said vertical adjustment means comprises a plurality of threadedlegs threadingly engaging said baseplate, sprocket means secured to eachof said legs, a continuous chain engaging said sprockets encirclinglyand means for rotating one of said legs, thereby simultaneously rotatingthe other legs whereby said baseplate moves uniformly upwardly ordownwardly responsive to the direction of rotation of said rotationmeans.